When one is blessed with a long weekend such as Labor Day, what does one do? Plan a day trip, of course!

Cooper, Finn and I went to Block Island with my mom on Saturday. She and my dad visited it for the first time last year and brought Cooper a souvenier dog collar with tie so, naturally, I just had to go there myself and check out the inventory. I'll take you through my internal evaluation of how I decided that this trip would be enjoyable for us, 2- and 4-leggeds alike!

Are they allowed on the ferry? Is there an extra charge?

Yes, dogs are allowed at no charge! Depending on the port and boat you choose, the dogs might only be allowed on the outer decks and are always required to be leashed or in a carrier.

Can I take them in the shops and restaurants with me?

Most shops were very welcoming and some just tolerated the dogs being in there but we were not asked to leave any of the several establishments we entered. We ate outside at 2 different restaurants, including The Oar which was awesome!

Are we traveling during their normal meal time(s)?

We scheduled the 12:30 ferry from Newport so the boys had their breakfast. I brought them a few treats and plenty of water for the day and got them home for a slightly later-than-usual dinner so no need to pack a full meal.

Will the elements be too much for the pups to handle?

The weather outlook was fabulous for our trip - no storms or rain on the radar. I did consider the potential that their paws would get quite hot walking around town so we took breaks often, chose grass over pavement when possible, and stayed hydrated.

Are they allowed on the beach?

Ha, well... We learned the dogs are not allowed at Ballards but when we asked about the other beaches, we mostly heard that they were generally tolerated when kept on-leash. There were a few "No Dogs Allowed" that seemed to be overlooked as long as the dogs were well-behaved and no beachgoer lodged a complaint.

This year’s Animal WelFair event was held on June 20th in the courtyard of EMC’s Corporate Headquarters in Hopkinton, and we couldn't have asked for a better day! Once again, we welcomed organizations representing all aspects of animal welfare - from rescues, humane societies, doggie daycare and training to disaster recovery, veterinarians and pet insurance. Each group gave employees a chance to learn more about their mission, their fundraising needs and their opportunities for volunteering. Many were also giving away FREE STUFF! Dog treats, “doody” bags and collar tags were among the SWAG offerings. Pawfect Life Rescue also held a raffle where the randomly chosen winner received a gift bag full of great dog toys and goodies!

With representation from over 20 groups plus 3 of EMC’s own Employee Circles (DERG, VeTS and C.A.R.E.), we met our goal of growing this year’s event from our inaugural “Pet Fair” last June. Employees were even kind enough to donate goods to select organizations, filling nearly all 4 gigantic boxes we set up in the building for a few weeks leading up to the event! Until next year… THANK YOU! And remember: ADOPT, Don’t Shop!

Cooper and I had the great fortune of traveling with Dog Fashion Spa to the Global Pet Expo in Orlando last month. In addition to meeting some great people and scoping out the impressive booths – which spanned 13 football fields! – I was given the opportunity to take a few product samples home for FREE!

I’ve taken a snippet about each product from their respective site and then got Cooper's canine perspective.

Each review in the “Cooper Speaks” series will be featured as its own blog post so stay tuned!

Being a proud new puppy parent, (my husband and I added a Golden Retriever puppy to our family when we purchased our first home so that our beloved Gadget would at least have a friend to help her adjust to her new surroundings) I am always on the lookout for dog-related events to bring our pups to. Socialization is important when training a new puppy, after all. (By the way, his name is Tuukka, named after the goaltender for our beloved hockey team, the Boston Bruins!)

So I was excited when a follower of the DDB on Facebook sent me the information about "Bark in the Park," an afternoon filled with activities for dogs and their humans taking place this Sunday, August 4th from 11:00am until 4:00pm. The fun goes down at Kennedy Park in Fall River, MA and is the 6th annual event sponsored by the Fall River Coalition for Animal Awareness. The rain date, just in case, is scheduled for Sunday, August 11th.

Looking at the schedule of events, this event seems like a great day for dogs and owners alike. They will have a rabies clinic offered by Mass Mobile Vet for only $12, a micro-chipping station for only $19.99, canine massages by Wet Nose Canine, pet product samples and vendor booths and demonstrations by the Rhode Island Canine Search and Rescue team, Canine Mastery Jumpmasters, Disc Dog demo by Pawsitive Paws and much more.

For more information and the official schedule of events, head over to our Facebook page where we have several posts and the official flyer posted! You may also contact Tammy at (774) 218-8139 for information on volunteering or to rent space at the event.

It's that time again! Pet Fest is scheduled for Sunday, May 19th at Buttonwood Park in New Bedford, and this year's event promises to be an even bigger and better one! Why you ask? Because your Daily Dog Blog friends are participating!

While the main attraction of Pet Fest is arguably the enjoyable dog walk that kicks off at 12:00 noon and circles the park, the Doggie Fashion Show is always a fun, unique event that draws a crowd as the walkers begin to complete the walk. And this year, the Daily Dog Blog has partnered with our friends at Go Fetch! to host a memorable fashion show we're calling, Dogue!

After a really fun "model search," we gathered a great group of personable dogs and enthusiastic owners who will walk our runway sporting the latest and greatest in dog gear and accessories.

Our Dogue show will kickoff around 1pm in the middle of the Pet Fest location. Just look for our red carpet!

Don't forget that Pet Fest is also a great place to shop locally-made pet products, unique gift items and maybe even find your next best friend! We'll be featuring several adoptable dogs on the hunt for their forever homes in our fashion show, and many area rescue groups and shelters will be on hand with their available animals.

Owning a dog is a serious responsibility and commitment. There's the basic love and care - feeding, bathing, socializing, training and exercising, but then there's all the stuff that comes with owning a dog!

From leashes and collars to brushes and bowls, owning a dog requires storing a lot of stuff around your home. And some stuff, like bowls and toys, are readily visible to anyone who visits your home. So I embarked on a mission to find stylish and functional products and methods of organization for the modern dog owner. This will be a weekly feature on the Daily Dog Blog, showcasing new and attractive products and methods of organization for the modern dog owner.

Here's what I came up with this week for food storage.

Food Storage

One of your dog's most basic needs is eating. And one of the things I hear dog owners constantly mentioning is the difficulty in storing their dog's food. This is a great way to both store your dog's food and feed them!

Are you more of a do-it-yourselfer? Take an old cabinet, pull out the bottom drawer, attach a board with two holes in it the size of your dog bowls, and voila! These are also both great options since the drawers can be pushed back in when necessary.

Have more space in your kitchen and looking to do something truly stylish and custom? Take a peek at these beautiful kitchens will built-in storage solutions and eating stations for their fabulous pets.

Now onto bowls. I've never cared for having ugly dog bowls and water dishes lying around. Here are some great options.

On the bottom row are two, great handmade bowls. Personally, I love anything monogrammed or personalized. And how great are the colors of the customized name bowl? The orange pattern bowl also comes in a variety of other colors. Another perk? These dishes are dishwasher safe!

Owning a dog does not mean style and efficiency have to go out the window. Tune in next week for another edition of this special blog feature!

Our Paws for Love "Yappy Hour" fundraiser event is just one week from today! This fun event is being held at Go Fetch! in New Bedford on Saturday, February 23rd from 4-6pm.

Friendly dogs who are up-to-date on vaccinations are welcome to join their humans at this yappy hour style event. For just $15, folks can enjoy food, drinks and earn a chance to win some fantastic raffle prizes. Please join us at this fun event and help support our local no-kill shelter, Forever Paws!

Following the success of our last fundraiser, Pup-a-Razzi, DailyDogBlog.org has teamed up with Go Fetch! to host a Valentine-themed fundraiser to benefit the Forever Paws Animal Shelter in Fall River.

Paws for Love, a mix and mingle for dogs and their owners, will be held at Go Fetch!, located at 982 Kempton Street in New Bedford, on Saturday, February 23rd from 4:00 to 6:00pm.

Through the kind donations of Domino’s Pizza and Melissa Greene, the chef behind local cooking show Melissa’s Menu, Paws for Love attendees will enjoy pizza and sweets. Guests will also enjoy beverages, music and a raffle. Tickets for the raffle will be sold separately at the event and prizes include:

A pair of Red Sox tickets donated by Brownstone Insurance

An Alex and Ani bangle donated by be jeweled

A free facial donated by Samantha Linhares at Body Bliss

A $25 gift certificate donated by the Artisan Bake Shop

A $10 gift card donated by Dorothy Cox’s Chocolates

A $15 gift card donated by The Barn Restaurant

A $15 gift certificate donated by Go Fetch!

A free facial donated by Ana Sousa of Ana’s Facials and Hair Removal

A $10 gift card donated by Gray’s Daily Grind

A 1-month unlimited membership donated by Hope Yoga Studio

Friendly, leashed dogs who are up-to-date on vaccinations are welcome to bring their humans. Tickets cost $15 per person in advance, or $20 per person at the door. Advanced tickets can be purchased by calling Go Fetch! at (508) 990-DOGS. Space is limited, so early registration is suggested.

This event is going to be so much fun! Call to reserve your space today!

Ok, I know - no one likes to think about their dog no longer being with them. But the way I look at it, it is our responsibility as pet owners to make sure they have the happiest, most love-filled life they possibly can while we are lucky enough to enjoy their company. So, I've compiled a fun "bucket list" for dogs that could most certainly make any dog's tail wag with joy.

Bury my most prized possession right in the middle of a garden. No one will suspect it's in there.

Take at least one fantastic family Christmas photo. But please, no reindeer antlers! My dog friends will never let me live that down.

Go swimming in the sea. And then come out all wet and salty and shake it off on everyone!

Pick out my own toy at the pet store. Even if I choose the $15 dog toy that you know I will destroy in 2-minutes, let me do it just once!

Eat a slice of pizza! I know you've told me pizza isn't for dogs, but pleaaaase can I just have one piece?

WalkyDog PlusAnother growing trend that 2013 will bring is an increase in people bicycling with their dogs. You might be thinking, "What if someone owns a 75 pound German Shepard?" Have no fear. There are all kinds of different methods you can follow to enjoy a bike ride with your dog this year. It'll be spring before you know it, so start planning a safe bike ride now!

One of the most popular methods for enjoying a bike ride with your dog is to use a bike-leash attachment. A bike-leash attachment allows you to safely take your dog on bike rides while maintaining control. There are different kinds of attachments on the market, so do your research and choose whichever one will make you and your pet most comfortable.

One option would be something like the WalkyDog Plus Bike Leash. This universal attachment attaches just under the seat of your bike and includes internal springs that provide shock absorption should your dog suddenly pull or go in a different direction.

Another option would be something like the 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow Leash. This attachment simply clips to the frame of the bike near your tires and prevents the dog from tipping your bike and can be installed quickly without tools.

Both of these devices allow your dog to run alongside your bike without allowing them to get too close to the pedals.

An option for smaller dogs would be a pet bicycle basket. If using a basket, it's a good idea to make sure your dog fits comfortably inside and is calm enough to remain seated the entire length of your bike ride.

As with bike-leash attachment, there are many different kinds of bicycle baskets. Some are made of wicker while others can be more "sporty" and made of fabric on a frame. These are generally intended for dogs 10 pounds and under.

But before you head out on the road with your bike and dog in tow, read over these safety tips to ensure a fun, safe ride for both:

1. Always follow the installation and safety directions of the product you choose to use. There's a reason why they're there!

2. Make sure you have a bike water bottle filled with water for not only you, but also your dog. Allow your dog to drink frequently, especially on hot days.

3. Keep your pace equal with your dog's trot. It's ok to use faster paces in short bursts, but generally your ride should be a comfortable trot for your pooch.

4. Avoid sudden turns or stops. Unless your dog is trained to understand bicycling commands such as "woah" to slow down and "stop," any sudden change in pace or direction is likely to be a surprise to them. Make the ride enjoyable for them as well by keeping this in mind.

5. Begin by practicing in short intervals together. It will probably take some time for your dog to become accustomed to riding alongside or inside a bicycle basket. Give them lots of praise and start out slowly. Add time and distance as you both become more comfortable.

By following this tips, bicycling with your dog can be fun and beneficial for you both!

If you're looking for the secret Ballet Dog image to win the pair of tickets to enjoy Boston Ballet's "All Kylian" performance, look no further! You've found it!

The cold weather and occasional snow doesn't mean that you can't enjoy the outside with your dog for the next few months. Some dogs thoroughly enjoy the cold weather and snow. In fact, veterinarians warn that dogs still need adequate exercise to maintain a healthy weight and keep boredom at bay during the winter. After all, a bored dog can become a destructive dog.

So with a little preparation for the elements, you can still enjoy outside activities with your pet during the winter. Here are a few ideas:

Winter Activity #1 - Play in the Snow

Whether you venture into your own backyard or head to a dog-friendly local park, playing in the snow with your dog can be a lot of fun. Just be sure that if your dog is a small breed, ill, elderly, or a breed such as a Greyhound or Whippet that is slender and has short fur, you provide a warm coat or sweater for them. (Check out our blog, "Do Dogs Really Need Sweaters?" featured on the NewBedfordGuide.com) Booties are another option to keep your dog's paws dry and warm.

Playing fetch in the snow with a brightly-colored ball can bring a lot of joy for your pooch. And if you have children, chasing them throughout mounds of snow is a great way to release some energy.

Just make sure that when you return you wipe off your dog's paws, ears, face and coat, so that no ice becomes wedged in places that can cause frostbite.

Winter Activity #2 - Agility Classes

The winter months can be a great time to sign your dog up for some agility classes, which offer exercise and discipline during a time when your dog can become restless. These classes train your dog how to jump through hoops, walk through and over obstacles, and jump over things all while following your direction.

The Potter League for Animals in Rhode Island offers a great variety of classes and fun activities for your dog. Petco also sometimes offers agility training. Call your local animal shelter or Petco or check their websites for more information.

Winter Activity #3 - Play Groups

Perhaps your dog needs less disciplinary training and just needs more social interaction with other dogs? One great option is checking out Meetup. Meeting is an online database of events and groups organized by people like you! Just log on, choose the "Pets and Animals" category, choose the area to search in and you'll gain access to information about doggie play groups located in your community.

Dogs are so full of love, and they enjoy showing it. So for a fulfilling activity to do with your dog, consider volunteering with them! Winter can be a long, bleak season for many residents of communities like nursing homes, and a visit with a happy, furry pet can really brighten their spirits.

Call your local nursing home or animal shelter to inquire about any volunteer opportunities that exist for you and your pet. In most cases, your dog may need to pass a behavioral test to ensure they will safely interact with strangers and will be comfortable and can follow basic commands.

Or, consider just bringing them for a trip to visit an elderly relative! The happy reaction people will have when enjoying time with your pet will warm your heart and give purpose to your dog during the cold, winter months.

Over the past decade, trends affecting people's lifestyles, from how quickly they want to access information to the diets they try to lose weight quickly, have all seemed to hover around speed and the ever-changing world of technology. Well the 2013 trend outlook for dogs seems to share this similarity.

Dog Food

The first noticeable trend is a change in dog food. I'm sure you've seen that Petco is now touting their store as the place "where healthy pets go." This slogan change occurred within the past few years when Petco began carrying brands like Innova and Wellness, which were being identified by many animal owners as superior foods to feed their beloved pets based on the quality of their ingredients. (See our previous blog post - Do You Know What Your Dog is REALLY Eating?)

Now, brands like Purina are taking it a step further by introducing the first "sports" dog food line. Purina is extending their Pro Plan line by offering "Active," for dogs that enjoy everyday exercise, to "Performance," for running and hiking dogs, and "Advanced," for dogs that take part in agility competitions. The brand plans to roll out these new offerings sometime this month with the slogan, "Where sport meets dog."

Looking at the information that is currently offered on the Purina Pro Plan website, the food does seem superior to their previous offerings but some of the ingredients are still questionable to me. For instance, the 5th and 6th ingredients listed for the Active 26/16 Formula are corn gluten meal and whole grain corn, and corn is typically an ingredient that dogs with sensitive stomachs do not tolerate well.

Apps for Dogs

Smartphone apps are not really a new concept at all. But dog-lovers are taking the app world by storm this year. From Purina's P5 Training App that is supposed to help you train your dog to Dog Friendly. a free app that locates dog-friendly hotels, restaurants, parks, beaches and more across the U.S. and Canada, dog owners now have an abundance of apps on their smartphones to help them become a responsible pet owner.

A great one to download is Pet Poison Help. This app may cost $1.99 but the investment is well worth it since it identifies common household products that can poison your pet with detailed photos and information. Just don't use your phone while you're out walking your pooch, please!

Have you heard of any up-and-coming dog products or trends? Let us know in the comment field!

The Daily Dog Blog family would like to wish all of our friends and followers the happiest and healthiest of New Years. We appreciate all of your support and enthusiasm for our effort and we look forward to a very productive and exciting 2013.

We have some big things lined up - from some new events with local partners to fundraisers and great new blog entries, we're excited for what this year will bring.

Please continue to read our blog, and don't forget to share and interact with us and other fellow dog lovers via our Facebook page, our Pinterest account and Twitter! We love hearing feedback from our audience!

And with New Year's quickly approaching, you know what that means -- New Year's resolutions. I don't typically make any resolutions but I thought it'd be fun to think about some resolutions for dogs and their owners.

Pet InsurancePerhaps the New Year is a good time to consider or look into pet insurance? In my case, Gadget was already 7 or so years old and had been diagnosed with diabetes before pet insurance really became available. If it had been an option when I got her, I would have definitely considered it, and it will be something I research closely for our next dog.

Different insurance companies and policies offer different coverages obviously, but they range from reimbursement for behaviorial issues, tooth removal, accidents, emergencies, and major illnesses such as cancer. Depending on the company and the policy, you could gain peace of mind by insuring your pet for as little as $10 a month. Start by talking to your regular veterinarian to see what your options are, or start by doing research online. Many companies also offer online quotes.

Maintaining a Healthy Weight(for your dog!)I think it would be safe to say that 90% of New Year's resolutions involve weight loss. The weight loss I am referring to now, however, is for dogs. Canine obesity is one of the fastest growing health issues in dogs today. As with people, all that extra weight can lead to a variety of diseases and other complications. In the most recent study, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 53% of adult dogs and 55% of cats are classified as overweight or obese. That means that in 2012, 88.4 million pets were overweight in the USA.

All that extra weight and pressure on their joints can lead to osteoarthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, breathing problems, kidney problems and overall a shorter life expectancy.

Restricting your dog's diet can be challenging at first (mostly because of the guilt you may feel) but it truly is in your dog's best interest. Check out our previous blog on Dieting for Dogs for some tips to help you get started, and just stick with it! And as always, consult your regular veterinarian before making any changes to your pet's lifestyle.

Canine Good Citizen DesignationPerhaps you've been considering signing your dog up for some training. Have you considered registering for an AKC Canine Good Citizen class? This certification is widely regarded as the highest standard for the test of good dog behavior and some homeowner's insurance policies even offer discounts if your dog is in possession of this title.

One of my favorite photos of my two favorites -- hubby and Gadget!With 2012 winding down, Yahoo.com reported the most popular names for your pups this year. If you were to yell Max or Bella in your local dog park you'd probably get 3 or 4 dogs running your way, as those were the top male and female dog names of the year.

Charlie and Buddy were the next popular dog names for male pooches, while Lucy and Daisy followed Bella in popularity for female dogs. It would seem that names traditionally meant for humans are the new trend in dog names, while classics such as Rover and Fido are out.

Personally, I've always liked original, clever dog names (I named my dog Gadget because she was a small, restless dog and people confused her original name, Gidget, for Digit). But I think no matter what you decide to name your dog, picking a name that you can live with and that suits the personality of your pet are the most important things to consider.

Isn't it funny how after just a few months, your dog seems to "become" their name? I could never imagine Gadget being named anything other than Gadget now, and she certainly seems..like a Gadget!

With over 11 million members in over 45,000 cities, Meetup is the world's largest network of local groups. Have you joined yet?

Over the past few weeks, Cooper and I have joined several groups and attended 2 local Meetups. I meet new people and he makes new fur friends - it is a real win, win! Meetup does not only focus on pets, though, so whether it's cooking, reading, hiking or even finding play dates for your non-canine kids, there is bound to be something for everyone. But wait, there's more! Since Meetup members create the groups and events, you're encouraged to start a local group of your own and inspire a new activity.

If you're already a member, please share you experience(s) or join now and give it a try!

About: Meetup makes it easy for anyone to organize a local group or find one of the thousands already meeting up face-to-face. More than 9,000 groups get together in local communities each day, each one with the goal of improving themselves or their communities.

Meetup's mission is to revitalize local community and help people around the world self-organize. Meetup believes that people can change their personal world, or the whole world, by organizing themselves into groups that are powerful enough to make a difference.

Halloween can be great fun for dog owners. After all, who doesn't enjoy seeing their pooch dressed in silly costumes? But it's important to keep the comfort and safety of your dog in mind when picking that special costume for them.

Keep these tips in mind when you're searching for your dog's costume:

Ensure a proper fit. Costumes should never restrict your dog's movement or be too tight for them. Regardless of how cute the costume may be, it won't be cute when your dog refuses to move. A good tip is to start your shopping early, so that you have time to return and exchange ill fitting costumes before Halloween if need be. If possible, bring your dog with you when browsing costumes. That way you can try the costume on them before you buy. Stores like Petco allow leashed pets in the store.

Avoid costumes that cover your dog's eyes, nose, mouth or ears. Not only is this unsafe for your pet, but it obviously wouldn't be a comfortable costume as it would make your dog nervous. Many dog costumes come with hoods that go over your dog's head and most cover their ears. Should you decide to purchase one of these costumes, consider either not using the hood or altering the hood to provide large holes for their ears. Your dog will thank you for it.

Dogs are not accustomed to wearing clothing. As such, try to put the costume on your dog a few times before the big day. This allows them a little time to get used to the feeling of the costume. Use treats and verbal praise to encourage your dog after putting the costume on.

Don't be discouraged if your dog simply refuses to wear a costume. If your dog pulls the costume off or refuses to move in it, opt for a cute Halloween bandana or collar!

The Daily Dog Blog delivered the monetary donation that we collected as a result of our Pup-a-Razzi Fundraiser together with Iris Images this past Sunday. With your help, we were able to donate $450 to Forever Paws Animal Shelter in Fall River.

Forever Paws is a no-kill shelter that depends solely on public donations to operate, so the help was greatly appreciated!

We were also able to donate a big tub of cleaning supplies such as detergent and bleach that the shelter also has on their wish-list, and two 16 pound bags of dog food. The shelter staff was very appreciative and even gave us a personal tour of the shelter to share with our blog readers.

Here are some photos from our day.

The Daily Dog Blog would like to thank everyone who made our event possible. Without your support, we would not have been able to assist this deserving shelter in their mission of saving lives.

We could not be more pleased with how our first event, our Pup-a-Razzi Fundraiser, turned out. From the weather cooperating (mostly) to seeing both familiar and new faces (canine and human), the dailydogblog.org and Iris Images Photography had a pretty great weekend.

We were successful in booking every single photo reservation for both Saturday and Sunday, and actually had a good number of walk-up appointments as well. In total, we put smiles on the faces of 43 dog owners during Pup-a-Razzi!

Participants were very generous as well -- often donating more than the $10 fee to our cause and helping us fill a tub with cleaning supplies and dog food which will also be presented to Forever Paws Animal Shelter this weekend.

Our total monetary donation amount is currently at $400, with several kind folks also offering to mail additional donation checks to us this week.

We’ll follow up after we make the donation delivery to Forever Paws this weekend and let you know the end result of our Pup-a-Razzi Fundraiser.

A BIG thank you to all those who participated/donated, and to Vanessa Machado from Iris Images Photography. Without you, this event would not have been possible.

Here are a few photos that we snapped during the event. To see more photos and some teasers of the professional photos Vanessa took, head over to our Facebook page!

Fall photo time!Melissa and Beth, your dailydogblog.org co-foundersBaxter was VERY happy to be there!LOTS of puppies!People had a great time talking to other dog owners and checking out the goodies at the Go Fetch! tent, our official treat sponsor.Jasmine and Simba were groomed especially for their photos :)